{"id":1114,"date":"2024-08-26T18:55:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:55:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1114"},"modified":"2024-08-26T18:59:05","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:59:05","slug":"chapter-08","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1114","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 08"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 08 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

When he came to he had a throbbing headache, he was sitting on a chair and it felt as if his hands and feet were bound. John wasn\u2019t able to move; something he hadn\u2019t experienced for over three years. He wasn\u2019t worried – yet -, if he and Ziva wouldn\u2019t report in, Gibbs would come and look for them. Or he\u2019d call the General, he\u2019d have the Hammond lock on to Sheppard\u2019s subcutaneous transmitter, and beam him and Ziva out of here. No big deal. But Ziva… where was she? He couldn\u2019t really see, he was in a brightly lit room and there were mirrors that reflected light as well. Crap<\/em>, he thought. \u201cZiva?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever the guy did to her, she hadn\u2019t felt this much pain in a long time. Ziva could hear John\u2019s voice and knew he was behind her – somewhere. \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d she said with a groan. \u201cChloroform…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt least you got drugs.\u201d John wished he could rub the back of his head right now, to soothe the pain and to assess the damage. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOther than wanting to tear my spine out, I\u2019m fine,\u201d she said. \u201cI have no clue where we are. Assuming he took us off the property because it is too modern in here or this guy did a lot of remodeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you see?\u201d He tried to focus on her voice and managed to see her shape in front of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked up and squinted. \u201cBright white walls, lots of fluorescent lighting. Do you have your sunglasses?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo… I think he took my sunglasses and hat… and my holster feels kinda empty.\u201d He closed his eyes, trying to focus started to hurt his head. He tried to move his wrists, but whatever he tried, he couldn\u2019t get any space between his wrists and whatever material he was bound with. \u201cSecure knots.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. Mine as well,\u201d she sighed, looking around. In her attempts to shift, she realized that her chair wasn\u2019t secure to the floor and with some work, she managed to turn herself around so that she could see John. \u201cOhhhh….\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? What happened?\u201d The calmness he had tried to keep himself in vanished after hearing the noise of something moving. \u201cZiva?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva blinked to get the spots from her eyes as she looked at how bad he was. \u201cYour face is bleeding,\u201d she said simply. \u201cSome bruising around your eyes – it looks as if you were used as a punching bag while you were out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, nothing new then.\u201d He breathed a sigh of relief, if a busted up face was all that was wrong – apart from being in their current situation – it was okay. \u201cYou think you can get over here so we can try and release ourselves?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI need to rest. Just to come this far – give me a moment,\u201d she sighed and tightened her eyes closed as she felt a spasm of pain shoot through her back. \u201cI think – when we are out of here, I will go talk to Ducky…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s good… and bad…\u201d John frowned and opened his eyes again, trying to determine where the light was coming from so he could move his head and maybe<\/em> take a better look at their surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou honestly think you\u2019re going to make it out alive?\u201d A voice over the intercom sounded. A familiar voice, John couldn\u2019t place that voice. \u201cI should have hit harder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe one who\u2019s going to make your life hell for at least the next few hours, hopefully days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked around as she struggled to herself together through the pain she had already been going through. \u201cWhat is this all about?\u201d she asked the faceless voice. \u201cWe had done nothing to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour agencies… and others… have ruined my life.\u201d the voice spat. \u201cThey made me into some kind of super soldier and then left me to rot. You are going to prove that you are unworthy of your jobs, since they did hire you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh come on, that\u2019s childish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk again in a few hours… however, I\u2019d make sure to be out of here within the hour as the time release on the Sarin gas will engage. Oh and don\u2019t bother about waiting for help. Not only do your phones have no reception, the technology is strong enough to render your transmitter useless while you\u2019re here, Colonel Sheppard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva\u2019s eyes grew large at the mention of sarin gas. She stared forward at John, \u201cWhat transmitter?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEveryone who signs up for the Stargate program gets a transmitter underneath the skin so that we can be found at all times,\u201d John explained. \u201cIt\u2019s safer that way and should we ever get in to trouble they can scan the planet, lock on and beam us out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful. Is there a reason that this guy would think that it would be able to be blocked? I would think that they would have anticipated that sort of technology to resist things like that…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m not too worried.\u201d John shrugged. \u201cBut I am worried about that gas. Stay there, I\u2019ll come to you just keep talking okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva sighed. \u201cIf you come forward, straight ahead until I say otherwise, you shouldn\u2019t find any obstruction other than a table. Your space people should have included a distress button in your ass or something so that you could let<\/em> them know when you\u2019re in trouble. Clearly your geniuses aren\u2019t all that bright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had managed to reach the table by the time she was done talking. \u201cFunny!\u201d He chuckled and took a moment to catch his breath. For some reason, the chair was heavier than any chair he had sat on. He saw the table frame, but couldn\u2019t see the top as it was reflecting light. \u201cI\u2019m more interested in how he knows what he seems to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cClearly he must have been a part of the program,\u201d she muttered. \u201cHow\u2019s your head?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrying not to think of it, although that would be a lot easier if it was darker in here. How\u2019s your back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cComes and goes. Happier when it goes, kill me when it comes,\u201d she replied. \u201cHe must have known about your problem. Everything in here is reflective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat if this guy has been planning this for a while? What if he observed us for a long time, gathered intel, hacked into government files?\u201d John started to move towards the right side of the table, trying to get around it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe. After what I learned, aren\u2019t there like other people who would love to get back at you and the SGC?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe said \u2018agencies\u2019, I\u2019m pretty sure that doesn\u2019t just mean the Air Force, Ziva.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell what agencies<\/em> then? I know for a fact that Mossad had nothing to do with whatever this guy is into. My father would kill to get one of his officers in that program though. What? NCIS? FBI? There are way too many agencies that could have a hand in the training of something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCIA, NSA…\u201d John thought for a second. \u201cOr all of the above?\u201d He nearly toppled over when he reached the edge of the table. Unlike the chairs, the table was bolted to the floor. \u201cI\u2019ve seen some pretty strange things, Ziva, I wouldn\u2019t put it passed every agency in the world to work on something super secret together.\u201d He then managed to chuckle. \u201cI\u2019m not a conspiracy theorist or paranoid, but if the Air Force is keeping the program under wraps, why won\u2019t this be possible?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue. Another two feet to your right John,\u201d Ziva said, watching him before grinding her teeth as she had to breathe deeply as a spasm shot through her. \u201cGod! I don\u2019t know if I can handle that much more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou sound like one of Teyla\u2019s tribe women in labor.\u201d John grinned and managed to get passed the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She rolled her eyes. \u201cI think I would know if I were pregnant,\u201d she pointed out. \u201cYou would certainly know as well, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah… when Teyla was pregnant with Torren, she got angry with me for not letting her on the team. If she could, she would have bitten off my head.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe had every right to. When she felt it was time to sit back, she would I\u2019m sure. Women who are pregnant aren\u2019t incapable of their jobs. They aren\u2019t broken,\u201d Ziva replied. \u201cIf you did that to me, I would likely break your legs or your arms, or something and let you see what it is like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI feel for you, honey, I really do. I doubt that if they find us, they\u2019d let a visit to the hospital pass on you.\u201d He could see her a bit clearer now, and pushed himself to make the final few feet towards her. \u201cHello!\u201d he greeted her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled back at him and shook her head. \u201cCan you see well enough if I turn around with the chair to see the ties?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah I can try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva hopped around on the chair until she had her back towards him and flexed her wrists to try her best to let him see as much of the ties as possible. \u201cIt\u2019s tight<\/em>,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know… I know this knot.\u201d John squinted as he observed the knots. \u201cThere should be a loose string somewhere, if you can tell me where, I might be able to pull it when I turn around to grab it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It took them some time, but eventually their hands were free and they were both working on getting their feet unbound. John helped Ziva as she was struggling to bend over and helped her up. \u201cYour face!\u201d Ziva carefully touched John\u2019s face and it hurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah… you already said that…\u201d he winced. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have touched it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on, there\u2019s a door.\u201d Ziva took his arm and walked the both of them towards the door, leading John around the table and various other objects in the room. \u201cIt\u2019s unlocked.\u201d she said surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOpen it, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut what if..–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnything better than the impending Sarin gas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue.\u201d Ziva opened the door and pulled John into the new room with her while closing the door. She pushed John against the wall and hugged the wall herself. At least this room wasn\u2019t going to be as hard on John\u2019s eyes than the last room. \u201cCan you see?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, getting there,\u201d he answered, rubbing his eyes. \u201cIs it just me or does this look like a gauntlet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNope, not just you, there are heavy objects swinging back and forth and some look sharp.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreat.\u201d John sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her eyes were large as they took everything in. \u201cIt looks like something out of one of Tony\u2019s movies,\u201d she commented before sliding down to the floor to see if they might have enough room to crawl underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis should be doable… if there\u2019s some sort of gap in the middle of all of this…\u201d John started. \u201cYou know, whoever this guy is, he must have a lot of money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd a lot of time on his hands. My guess is that we are underground on the property. There is no way that he could have taken us too far.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John nodded. \u201cI suppose.\u201d He tried to assess the distance between the first swinging object and the second and realized that there was no way that they could go together, or with Ziva on his back. \u201cWell this sucks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt looks like we can crawl through but it will be very close,\u201d Ziva sighed as she returned to his side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr… we could just stay here, I\u2019m really not in the mood for games.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. \u201cI thought you didn\u2019t want to hang around for the gas treatment that this guy has planned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat was the other room, I doubt he has any other incentive for us to go through with this in this room,\u201d he looked at her and then rolled his eyes. \u201cFine, let\u2019s try to get through this without anything getting slashed up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd how do we know that the sarin won\u2019t be distributed through the entire property? Together or one by one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go first, if I can get underneath it, then so can you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva nodded and bit her lip. \u201cStay low. I\u2019ll be right behind you,\u201d she said as she reached up to cup his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He gently kissed her. \u201cI love you, you know that, right?\u201d He said as he softly caressed her hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do now,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it when we are out of here. Now go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John kissed her again and then lowered himself to the floor. He went to the left where there was a small space of nothingness and made it passed the first two swinging objects before running into an obstacle that prevented him to use the safe side. \u201cIt\u2019s never easy,\u201d he muttered and pulled his legs underneath him so he could sit on his hunches to see what was going on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ziva asked as she had her body shoved as close the free space gap as possible. The spasms shooting through her every few minutes didn\u2019t help much and whenever she got to a relatively safe position she had to stop and take a breather to recollect herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome sort of pit with sharp pointy things in it… however jumping over it will definitely hurt our heads… and dive and roll over it… is an option but I can\u2019t really see what\u2019s on the other end to make sure it\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will go then,\u201d she said as she slowly made her way closer to him. When she was at his side, she eyed the pit he mentioned. \u201cWell that would ruin anyone\u2019s day…If we lower ourselves but hold on to the ledge we could make our way around it. Do you think you could hold yourself up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEasy,\u201d John replied, \u201cDo you think you can do it with your back spasms?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing, she shrugged. \u201cI have to. As soon as the next spasm is over, I\u2019ll make my way across. They seem to be pretty consistent in that sense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s sounding more and more like contractions to me!\u201d John joked as he turned around and slowly backed towards the edge, lowering himself to hold on to the ledge. \u201cThis guy has too much time on his hands.\u201d He groaned as he quickly made it round the pit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou saw me naked last night…Did I look pregnant?\u201d Ziva replied as she watched him as he moved along. \u201cYou\u2019re almost there…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was joking, Ziva.\u201d He chuckled as he climbed back onto the ground and caught his breath. \u201cAlthough…\u201d he said with a smirk on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you say that I looked fat you won\u2019t have to worry about dying by way of sarin. I\u2019ll do the job for this lunatic,\u201d she growled as she started to lower herself and shift over to the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John started to laugh. \u201cWhat is it with women and caring about weight issues? You\u2019re beautiful, no matter if you\u2019re fat or skinny… although too skinny is unappealing but you are not fat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was nearly to the opposite side when she started to get out of breath. \u201cWell whatever it is, I\u2019m certainly not in shape because I shouldn\u2019t tire this easily. How long do you think we\u2019ve been out of contact?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, I don\u2019t know how long we\u2019ve been out.\u201d John reached for Ziva\u2019s hand. \u201cCome on, nearly there, then you can take a bit of rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She grunted a little as she shifted, shimmied and kicked her way closer. By the time he was able to pull her up, she could feel another spasm hit and laid there, tense and breathing hard. \u201cYou may have a point – about it being like contractions. I\u2019ll give you that much,\u201d she winced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was joking.\u201d John said as he softly caressed her back. \u201cI\u2019m sure that once we get out of here, a doctor will figure out what\u2019s wrong with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Ziva said, the pain slowly getting worse but luckily for her, she had a high threshold. \u201cOh that feels good…\u201d she added to his massaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMagic hands,\u201d He said as he looked behind him to see what was up next while he continued to caress her lower back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once she was through the latest round, she sat up tiredly. \u201cPlease tell me he doesn\u2019t have any more traps, that he didn\u2019t expect us to get past all this already.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hate to disappoint you,\u201d John sighed. \u201cAlthough it looks like the next part can be done running… the pendulums swing in a particular way and it might be enough to slip passed them. I could probably also just carry you to the end.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh god,\u201d she sighed as she pushed herself up. \u201cLet\u2019s just get this over with because I don\u2019t know how much more of this I can take now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you giving up already? Such a shame.\u201d The voice had returned. \u201cEven Stackhouse had more spirit than you, and I had to run him over with a tractor!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John balled his fists. \u201cShe<\/em> is not feeling well. Get her out of here, and I will do whatever more you have planned after we\u2019re through here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo John, I won\u2019t leave you here alone. He\u2019ll likely end up killing you,\u201d she replied as she leaned up against him. \u201cAre you just toying with us? Is there an actual way out of here that you just want us to suffer to get through?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course there is a way out, I built this, I got out.\u201d The voice laughed. \u201cAnd what a gentleman you are, Colonel Sheppard, and how weak and pathetic you are for telling me to get her out. I don\u2019t understand why you were marked as one of the best ranking officers at the SGC. Oh and yes, I really hope you\u2019ll die. That way I can deliver your bodies on the door step of NCIS and severely piss them off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat did NCIS do to you?\u201d Ziva asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAsk your director, or his boss.\u201d the voice spat. \u201cHurry along now, I\u2019ll be increasing the velocity of the pendulums soon!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe sounds like a spoiled child.\u201d John muttered. \u201cDidn\u2019t get enough attention from his parents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell let\u2019s not give him all that much. Let\u2019s just get through this and come out alive,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI\u2019m ready to go when you are – but make it quick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He lifted her up in his arms and took a deep breath. \u201cHold on tight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva locked her wrists together around his neck and tucked her head in. She couldn\u2019t help but to hold her breath in as she felt him rush through the next gauntlet, praying that the team would come to find them soon. At the very least, hope that Gibbs would have McGee check on the GPS location of their car after not checking in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John stopped dead in his tracks after reaching the wall and yet another door. \u201cOkay, that was scary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She lifted her head and looked at him. Her face was drained of colour as she blinked. \u201cNot as scary as what is about to happen…\u201d she said slowly, waiting to see if he realized yet, what she felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He carefully set her down on the floor and looked at himself. \u201cZiva, did you have<\/em> to pee while you were in my arms? Couldn\u2019t you have waited until I put you down again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head. \u201cConsidering the last few hours – I don\u2019t think that is urine John…it\u2019s impossible, but…possible? I\u2019m…\u201d Ziva trailed off, speechless and trying to piece everything together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait… what?\u201d He looked at her, confused. \u201cYou\u2019re saying…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you think its possible?\u201d she asked staring up at him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnything is possible but… come on, you should have noticed at least something other than back pain?\u201d He looked at her, wide eyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing! I haven\u2019t even missed my period!\u201d she snapped. \u201cLet\u2019s – let\u2019s get out of here then argue about this. It doesn\u2019t pay to figure it out now if we are going to be dead anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnbelievable…\u201d he sighed as he opened the next door and closed it again as it once again was brightly lit. \u201cOh for the love of!!!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva took a deep breath and opened the door again to see for herself. Her eyes looked around and all she could make out was a stark white room with more fluorescent lighting. \u201cI think this room is meant to weaken your eyes more. I don\u2019t see anything in it. Pull your shirt over your head to block out the light…I\u2019ll lead you through. It\u2019s maybe, ten yards long to a set of stairs and I think a door.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d John pulled his shirt off and rolled it up before putting it over his head and fastened it behind his head. \u201cAll I need now is a pinata and a stick to beat it with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be first in line,\u201d she mumbled as she took his hand before pushing the door open.  She constantly looked around, trying to see if anything else would come flying at them but luckily they managed to get to the steps in one piece before she felt another spasm – or rather contraction come on. It was strong enough that it made her lose her footing as she tried to climb the winding stairs to the trap door at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEasy.\u201d John pushed himself against a wall – hopefully – and took pulled her against him. \u201cBreathe.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn, we need to get out of here,\u201d she said as she buried her face into his shoulder as she gritted through the next wave of pain. Turning her head up, she eyed the door and groaned. \u201cIt\u2019s got heavy bolts around it but its wood. We will need something to break through it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know… but I didn\u2019t want you to fall off the stairs,\u201d John said and rubbed her back. \u201cI can try to see if I can get one of those pendulums down from the other room? Unless you see something in this room that we can use? Or do you think I can break that door?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked around again and shook her head. \u201cNo, we\u2019ll need something. It\u2019s a heavy wood door. Can you see through the fabric of your shirt? It should be heavy enough to block out the sharpness of the white lights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can see the floor from underneath it, stay here, I\u2019ll check the door.\u201d He slowly continued to walk on the stairs until he reached the door. He pushed against it and chuckled. \u201cThis is too easy,\u201d he walked down the stairs towards Ziva again and waited until she was ready. \u201cIt just looks impossible. It\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat makes me nervous to know what else he has planned for us,\u201d she admitted. \u201cLet\u2019s go. Please tell me that it does indeed go outside,\u201d she added as she reached up for him to help her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John took her hand and gently pulled her with him. \u201cI hope no more light,\u201d he replied as he kicked in the door, and pulled his shirt off his head before putting it back on properly. \u201cOh, a barn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOutside,\u201d Ziva sighed as she followed him out. She let go of his hand, letting it go to her stomach as she made her way to the wall to try to peer out through the gaps in the boards. \u201cCareful where you step. This is the ideal setting for trip wire. Would your transmitter work now that we are outside?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe… but we\u2019re not outisde yet.\u201d John stood close to Ziva and looked at the door. \u201cYou\u2019ll need to inspect the door for me, I can\u2019t see wires if they\u2019re made out of fishing line.\u201d He then looked back at her. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m feeling the need to kill someone,\u201d she said as she carefully looked around, kicking up dirt where she could to see if there was any twine hiding in the area before stepping forward more. \u201cWe are as much outside as we could get…The sun looks to be heading towards setting – we\u2019ve been here at least four hours…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Gibbs is looking for us now.\u201d John told her and then pulled her back when he heard a gun shot. \u201cWhat the hell!\u201d He quickly looked Ziva over. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She had already ducked down for cover as she looked around wide eyed. \u201cI\u2019m fine. That\u2019s a sig,\u201d she pointed out as there was more shots. \u201cThere is more than one shooter. Hopefully it\u2019s \u2026\u201d she trailed off as another painful spasm shot through her. Ziva tried to keep from crying out loudly, but they were getting far worse than even the abuse she experienced at the hand of Saleem. \u201cPain is coming a lot faster than before…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure you\u2019re in labor,\u201d he looked at her in shock. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it…\u201d John tried to figure out where the shooting was coming from. \u201cAt least he\u2019s not shooting at us right now, let\u2019s move to some place safe, get out of his line of sight. Can you walk?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her eyes turned on him as she was clearly trying not to make him a victim of her growing anger. \u201cSay that one more time and you will get to feel exactly what I\u2019m feeling now,\u201d Ziva replied as she took a deep breath. \u201cIf we can get to the car – if its still there, I can hot wire it so that we could get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John lifted her up. \u201cHold on to me, I\u2019m going to run across to the next building… that is… if the space is clear for me to run?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt looks it,\u201d she replied based on what she managed get a view of through the slats of wood of the barn. \u201cLet\u2019s go. The quicker we are out of here the better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He made his way around the remains of the barn and started to run to the opposite side, still hearing the gunshots going another way. \u201cYou got a better view of the place before we got knocked out, where do we go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked behind them and recognized a large tree in the distance. \u201cThis is where he took me out,\u201d she said. Pointing at the edge of the wall that they took cover against she added, \u201cI came from around that way. The car should be about 60 feet or so from the house on the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hate to disappoint you, but that\u2019s exactly where the shots are coming from… I don\u2019t accidentally want to get shot at even if it\u2019s friendly fire. Is there a way around it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are on a farm. What do you think?\u201d she asked, looking at him hard. \u201cPut me down. I\u2019ll go look. I\u2019m just surprised you can even see a thing out of that one eye – your face is so swollen!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell you know…\u201d John shrugged. \u201cWhen you can\u2019t see properly, the ears take over, there\u2019s a reason why I keep asking you things.\u201d He pointed out and gently set her down on the ground, only letting go of her when he was sure that she was stable on her feet. \u201cI can still see some things, although it\u2019s mostly guess-work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She didn\u2019t say anything and lowered herself as low as she could before slowly peeking around the corner of the building. Narrowing her eyes, she could make out another car being parked behind where they left theirs but whoever it belonged to, the people had taken cover behind it. Looking the other way she could make out the shooter, roughly, in the distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva was about to turn back to John when a flash of silver popped up through the windows of the car making her smile. \u201cGibbs is here John. They made it,\u201d she said as she tried to figure out a way that they could get from where they were to the cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd I guess the shooter is right above us?\u201d John made his way over to Ziva and sat down on his hunches. \u201cIs there a way inside?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am not about to go inside,\u201d she growled. \u201cI am not interested in seeing what he has set up in this place after what he has under us. We will just have to make a run for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright, alright… it\u2019s not like you\u2019re capable of fighting and I probably won\u2019t see where I\u2019m hitting.\u201d He grinned. \u201cGibbs?\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSheppard! Is Ziva with you?\u201d Came the reply, John could hear relief in his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, lay some cover fire will you, we\u2019re in the line of fire.\u201d John got up and lifted Ziva back in his arms. \u201cNo way you\u2019re running.\u201d He told her as he heard how the shooting pattern changed into a three against one fight. \u201cYou need to tell me if you see any obstacle on the way in front of us, am I clear to run?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not about to argue right now,\u201d she said as she held onto him tightly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs eyed their shadows from where Sheppard\u2019s voice had come from and nodded to Tony to keep up the fire fight as long as possible. \u201cYou have a clear route straight to the car!\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John took a deep breath and started to run towards the general direction he had heard Gibbs\u2019 voice coming from and tried to ignore the sound of the guns, so he could pick up anyone talking. The car came in sight and he moved to his right, seeing the car become sharper and sharper and took him and Ziva behind the car, setting her down behind the tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll clear, let\u2019s get him,\u201d Gibbs\u2019 voice sounded. \u201cPreferably alive, but I\u2019d take him dead too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhatever,\u201d Ziva replied as she breathed out, trying to resist screaming out. \u201cJust – kill him already – and get us to the hospital…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGot him!\u201d McGee yelled. \u201cI\u2019m going in!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo you\u2019re not!\u201d John called out. \u201cNot before the bomb squad secures the place, you have no idea what he\u2019s capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva looked up and shook her head. \u201cHe has access to sarin gas,\u201d she gritted out. \u201cWe need to get out of here. He knows too much, has access to more than you want to know. It\u2019s like one of Tony\u2019s movies…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Tony\u2019s voice sounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe should get out of here, make a call to the General and he\u2019ll take care of this place. Nobody ever should lose their life here. We have to get Ziva to a hospital… NOW.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded. \u201cConsidering what he knows about you before NCIS, you need to have your people manage this place,\u201d Ziva said as she shifted so that she could open the door of the car and crawl onto the floor to get to the wires under the console to try to get it started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs appeared and handed Ziva a key. \u201cThank God for duplicates, and you look like hell.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s in labor,\u201d John slowly got up and helped Ziva out of the front of the car. \u201cAnd not going to jump start a car when there\u2019s a key.\u201d He opened the back door and helped her in. \u201cGibbs, you drive.\u201d he said as he made sure that Ziva was comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say a word Gibbs. Not now at least. Later, please,\u201d she groaned as her hands gripped at the head of the drivers seat. \u201cMake sure DiNozzo and McGee get out of here. As soon as there is cellular service, call your General John…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust keep breathing…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBoss! I see movement!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGet in the other car McGee, and take Tony with you!\u201d Gibbs barked as he got into the car and started it. \u201cAnd you two…\u201d he looked at Sheppard and Ziva in the rear view mirror. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk later.\u201d He floored the car and John had to make sure that he wasn\u2019t falling against the window as he was holding Ziva up. Gibbs then tossed his cellphone on the back seat. \u201cCall your General, McGee and DiNozzo are on our six.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He grabbed the phone and punched in the numbers while he had to had Ziva check if there was cell reception. When she pressed on the green button on Gibbs\u2019 phone he waited for the General to pick up. \u201cGeneral, you need to have the Hammond level a compound about… 2 miles from my current position. Matter of National Security… yes…. yes we\u2019re safe.\u201d John hung up and within seconds he saw the Asgard beams destroy Cobb\u2019s handiwork. They were bright enough for him to see. He breathed a sigh of relief and slumped against the seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat was quick,\u201d Ziva quietly commented as she looked out the back window before settling back. \u201cI need to lay down…I just want to sleep now after everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpaceship,\u201d John whispered in her ear and smiled. \u201cTry to sleep, we\u2019ll be at the hospital soon…\u201d He helped her lay down and had her head in his lap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSleep? With the pain coming like every ten minutes? I don\u2019t think so,\u201d she snapped as she shifted, trying to find a position that wasn\u2019t feeling as if she wanted to tear her spine out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMake up your mind then!\u201d John chuckled and tried to avoid the glare Gibbs gave him through the rear view mirror. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She glared at him before her hand shot up and held him by the throat. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me what to do Sheppard. I can and will kill you,\u201d Ziva threatened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t breathe… Ziva… let go.\u201d He coughed as she released him. \u201cThanks.\u201d He fought against the urge to rub his face. The adrenaline was wearing off and his face was starting to throb and his head was getting invaded by midgets who wanted to redecorate his brain. \u201cYou\u2019re doing great, honey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou two… rule 12,\u201d Gibbs said as he focused on the road. \u201cWhat else haven\u2019t you been telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know I hate your rules.\u201d John replied. \u201cWe proved you wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou should have told me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t want me to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd she\u2019s pregnant?\u201d Gibbs said unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBelieve me, it\u2019s a surprise to us too… you\u2019d better keep driving because she\u2019ll most likely kill you if we don\u2019t get to a hospital soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva glared at them through their entire exchange as she tried to keep on breathing the way she\u2019d observed women do on television and movies. She had never actually seen anyone go through this herself. When Tali had been born, her father kept her away and focused on her education. \u201cMy back has been hurting, I can\u2019t even think about how long,\u201d she shared. \u201cHow much longer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think five more minutes.\u201d John said and softly caressed her hair. \u201cJust hold on for five more minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAny place. Are we going to the local one?\u201d she asked sitting up to peer over the seats to see Gibbs using the GPS system. \u201cWhen did you learn how to use that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDucky showed me.\u201d Gibbs replied, \u201cAnd yes, we\u2019re going to the local one, I doubt your fly boy here has other means of transportation to a better hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust say the word.\u201d John whispered in Ziva\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head. \u201cIf we went by the way you want, then you will have to tell Gibbs more than you are allowed to already. If we are almost there, and they can give me drugs, then this place is just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy place has better drugs.\u201d He grinned and winced as Gibbs drove over a bump in the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva cried out as her hand went to her back and she rolled to her side. \u201cI believe it, but I\u2019m sure that once Abby and Ducky hears about this, they will already start making arrangements to be transferred closer to home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John started to rub her back and looked outside, where he could see that Gibbs was already pulling up at the hospital. \u201cWe\u2019re here.\u201d When Gibbs stopped the car, John got out of the car and helped Ziva out as well. He then lifted her in his arms and walked towards the entrance, followed by Gibbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSir, you have to move your car,\u201d a guard called after them as he got up from his podium at the other end of the waiting room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs handed the guy the keys. \u201cIt\u2019s all yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA little help here? My partner is in labor!\u201d John called out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva let out another cry of pain mixed with irritation. \u201cDoctor! Now!\u201d she growled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright, alright…\u201d A familiar voice sounded. \u201cYou got here faster than we thought!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarson?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood to see ya lad! Now get the young lady on a gurney, and… what happened to your face?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot important.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva rolled her eyes. \u201cHis face was used as a punching back by a bad guy, and then some. He will also need his eyes checked. The rooms that we were in were bright and reflective,\u201d she said as she pulled herself up on the hospital bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d John looked at Carson. \u201cShe\u2019s first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright…\u201d Carson sighed and looked at Ziva. \u201cGood to see you again, Ziva.\u201d Carson smiled. \u201cI\u2019m going to get your pants off you and see how much you\u2019re dilated down there, not to worry, I am a doctor, not a pervert.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d she asked. \u201cAnd things aren\u2019t right – I\u2019ve still had my period, haven\u2019t gained much weight…I didn\u2019t even know!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It took one glare from Carson to get Gibbs out of the room and everyone else who had followed them in. \u201cDon\u2019t fret, young lady, I will take good care of you and the wee baby… I\u2019m actually glad I made it in time then, your wee one will have a bigger chance of survival.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut how did you know? Did someone call you? I\u2019m so confused – and ohhhh god….\u201d she said before letting out a scream from one of the most painful spasms she ever felt since everything started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next several minutes went by in a blur. One moment Ziva was laying on the hospital bed in the emergency room, the next she was somewhere else in the hospital, in a gown, screaming for dear life every few minutes. If that wasn\u2019t scary enough, the expression on everyone\u2019s face around her – and John\u2019s friend keeping him out of the room – she wasn\u2019t sure that the baby would be very healthy. If it survived being born considering the way she had cared for herself the previous months leading up to that moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is wrong?\u201d Ziva asked, looking around wildly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour li\u2019l one\u2019s heart beat is slower than it should be, even for a preemie,\u201d Carson explained as he sat down at the foot of her bed and reviewed the tests that the nurses were showing him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell how far along am<\/em> I?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked at her and shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to say with this technology lass. From what I could see, it\u2019s very possible that you are full term, if shy maybe two or three weeks. An infant could survive, but without proper prenatal care and your profession…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded understanding that severity of the risks and sighed. \u201cWhere is John?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe is out in  the waiting room with the rest of your team. I want to get you and the baby stabilized first. He would only get in the way,\u201d Carson smiled. \u201cJust lay back and relax. We will get you some pain medication. You still have a little bit to go yet, but you are almost there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva closed her eyes as she tried to digest all the information. She was about to be a mother – maybe. The thought alone was enough to leave her feeling dizzy even as she laid there. All she could really think about too, was John at the mercy of Gibbs and Tony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Down the corridor, John paced the small area of the floor that the men were restricted to waiting. He couldn\u2019t be more pissed at Carson then for keeping him away. It was his girlfriend, his child that he was working on. John deserved – no, he was meant to be there at her side to help her through everything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cold pack that the nurses tried to give him for his face sat on the end table next to where Gibbs sat, warming to the room temperature. He just didn\u2019t care about anything but what was happening in the room down the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tony was glaring at John. Not only was he a stubborn ass for not letting the nurses come near him, he was also the one who was screwing his<\/em> partner and had knocked her up. He wanted to confront John badly, but there were two reasons \u2026 no three, why he didn\u2019t. Ziva had made her choice, obviously, Gibbs would kill him and third, John would kill him too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo Carson? He\u2019s your doctor?\u201d Tony carefully asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, he took care of me for years and patched me up after we returned from our exploding base.\u201d John said, kicking a chair across the hall. \u201cI thought he was my friend too… I should be <i>in<\/i> there,\u201d he said, pointing into the general direction of the room where Ziva was. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou need to get yourself checked out.\u201d Tony tried. \u201cI know, you don\u2019t want to in case she needs you, but you look like hell man. You could have broken something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs I told Ziva, and Carson, I will let myself get checked out after<\/em> I know she\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs shook his head as he looked up at the man. \u201cWhat good are you going to be to her if you aren\u2019t? If she or that kid needs your help, you won\u2019t be much good to them all busted,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just my face… and my sight is slowly returning, I\u2019m fine<\/em> for now.\u201d John kept pacing and nearly tripped over the chair he had just kicked away. He kicked it again. \u201cI don\u2019t want to wait!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor now? That chair didn\u2019t give you that bruise on your face Sheppard…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, that sadist did, I don\u2019t care. I\u2019m not going to… what if…\u201d he took a deep breath as he felt a panic coming on. What if Ziva would die giving birth? He knew he couldn\u2019t handle that. But Carson was with her, she\u2019d be fine, but what if? \u201cI need to know she\u2019s fine before I let someone have a look at me, Gibbs. I need<\/em> that.\u201d John looked at the other man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He let out a breath as he looked up at him. \u201cShe will make sure you are there when its time. I doubt that your friend would dare to argue with her if he knew what she was capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBesides, we\u2019d like to have you around longer,\u201d Tony said warmly. \u201cIf you lose your eyesight for good we lose a valued member of our team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Tony, he was surprised and as far as he could tell, so was Gibbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think that apart from Abby and McGeek, you and Ziva can show Gibbs that Rule 12 can be a good thing as well. I doubt either one of us would have survived what you have endured with Ziva today.\u201d Tony got up and put his hands on John\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet yourself get checked out, Sheppard. I don\u2019t want Teyla to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine,\u201d John sighed. \u201cIf you put it that way…\u201d He looked at him and nodded. \u201cThanks Tony.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo problem. Hey…where did McGee go?\u201d he asked, looking around. Tony had been so distracted by his own issues with the situation that he missed his own partner disappearing on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI got us coffee.\u201d McGee came walking in. \u201cAnd called Abby and Ducky… and they\u2019re calling Teyla and make sure that once Ziva\u2019s stable that she can get transferred to Bethesda.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John couldn\u2019t help but to laugh. \u201cShe thought as much as we were on our way here,\u201d he said as he scratched the back of his head. \u201cThanks,\u201d he added as he took his coffee and a hearty sip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs took the coffee from John. \u201cNot until you\u2019re cleared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re mean.\u201d John complained as he reluctantly went to find a nurse, who in turn found him a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cEasy there. Just breathe through it Ziva,\u201d Carson said as he had his head tucked under the blanket as he examined her further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou try to breathe when you have something shoving its way through your ass,\u201d she snapped. \u201cWhere is John? He needs to be here. I need him here!\u201d she started to cry as she collapsed back against the bed after the contraction passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot until I\u2019m certain of your wee one\u2019s position, now calm down.\u201d Carson said as he yet again grabbed the scanner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva laid her head down and closed her eyes. \u201cPlease don\u2019t make me beg…Just get him in here or take me in for surgery to get it<\/em> out. Just – do something! I can\u2019t go through any more,\u201d she said shaking her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He only smiled as he continued to examine her. Reaching up he felt around over her upper and lower abdomen. \u201cDid you notice any other changes? Because I had read and seen photos of you before Colonel Sheppard went to work with you. Your abdominal areas do seem to be a bit more swollen than you appeared,\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sighed as she thought about it. \u201cI disregarded that as my neglecting to train. I have not been in the gym since my back has been hurting and been nursing an injury,\u201d she admitted. \u201cI can understand more now why that would be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAye lass, your clothing hides your body and these change quite well which is likely why no one else noticed,\u201d he said glanced up at the monitor. \u201cOh! Another contraction is about to come! Nurse? Can you please find Colonel Sheppard and ask him in. It\u2019s almost time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John was sulking when he was back in the waiting area, holding an ice pack against his swollen face and trying to drink the now cold coffee. Gibbs was looking at him with an amused look on his face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you have any plans on what you two plan to do now?\u201d Tony asked randomly as his head leaned back against the wall where he sat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like we had time to discuss things yet, Tony.\u201d John answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McGee slurped a sip from his coffee and shrugged. \u201cBut you must have thought about it some since. I\u2019m curious as to if Gibbs and Vance will let you two to be partners after this,\u201d he commented, glancing at their boss quickly and nervously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care, to be honest. If not, I\u2019ll retire and should we have a healthy baby, become a full time house dad and babysitter to Torren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thought we had taught you something about quitting, Sheppard.\u201d Gibbs replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shrugged. \u201cYou have a thing against partners on a team, it\u2019s only fair if you decide we shouldn\u2019t continue with what we are doing. And it\u2019s only reasonable for me to either find a different job or retire in order to stay with Ziva.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The older man smiled and shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll admit that this was a big surprise but you two have also continued to separate your private life from your work without any hints to your relationship so far. Being parents will<\/em> change things, you know. We can keep going on a probationary basis for now and see how things go. You both however, <i>will<\/i> have wills and all that other legal stuff done when things start to settle down. If either of you are injured or killed – that baby will need to be cared for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI <i>know<\/i>, Gibbs. A baby is not a pet… did someone call Teyla already?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think Abby did,\u201d McGee answered. \u201cOh someone\u2019s coming this way…\u201d he pointed out as he noticed a woman in pink scrubs shuffling her way down the hall towards them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cColonel Sheppard?\u201d the young woman asked, looking around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs she okay?\u201d John asked as he nearly knocked over his coffee when he got up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The girl smiled and nodded. \u201cYes, she is comfortable. Doctor Beckett asked for me to come get you. She is almost ready to begin to push. If you wish to come with me now…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cComing!\u201d John followed the nurse. Carson was finally<\/em> letting him near her again. When he entered the room Ziva was in, he saw she was hooked up on various machines and Ziva had a look on her face that told him that she was about to kill someone. \u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d he smiled as he walked to Ziva and planted a kiss on her forehead. \u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been better,\u201d she smiled at seeing him. \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson looked up and grinned. \u201cColonel. So far everything is actually looking pretty good. However, Ziva, when the next contraction begins, I want you to push hard,\u201d he said as a nurse came to her other side to help sit her up into position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood?\u201d John asked his friend. \u201cWhat do you mean? She never even looked like she could even be–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActually Miss Ziva did gain some and show slightly. It appears as if her body simply concealed the infant quite well,\u201d the doctor grinned as he kept an eye on the monitor still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cApparently!\u201d John shot a look at Carson. \u201cEverything alright though, doc?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell as soon as the little one is with us, I\u2019ll have to look him or her over to be sure, but right now, other than a bit of a concerning heart rate, things do look like they are going good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood,\u201d John then smiled at Ziva who looked like she could use a nap. \u201cYou can do this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head. \u201cYou do this,\u201d she replied as she winced when a spasm started up again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright Ziva, I want you to push through this,\u201d Carson interrupted. \u201cJust a couple good hard pushes may be enough and it will be all over soon enough,\u201d he reassured her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva sat up with the help of the nurse and bared down, her hand tightening around John\u2019s. She groaned it out as she felt her insides stretch painfully. It felt like an eternity before the first wave was over and she fell back against the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are doing good lass,\u201d the doctor smiled. \u201cThe head is through and the youngin\u2019 has a load of hair! On the next contraction you should be able to finish up and we\u2019ll have a new life here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou push it out!\u201d she cried. \u201cI just want to sleep…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can sleep soon, honey…\u201d John softly caressed her hair. \u201cYou\u2019re doing great.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growling she shoved him away. \u201cYou do this, I just – I can\u2019t,\u201d she whimpered. Her reprieve did not last long as the next contraction came quickly which ignited her to cry out and the nurse helped to support her back while she bared down to push the infant out the rest of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have the shoulders,\u201d Carson announced before the rest of the small body simply slid out, leaving Ziva in an exhausted slump. Quickly he clamped the umbilical before cutting it and transferring the baby to the warmer where a small group of hospital staff were waiting to begin to clean off and check on its health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John wanted to follow Carson and look at the baby but his glare told him to stay with Ziva. He took a wet wash cloth and softly caressed Ziva\u2019s face with it. \u201cI think it\u2019s a girl,\u201d he smiled at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While he left his friend to tend to his love, the doctor went over to help with the baby. Suctioning the nose and mouth of the tiny body, he quickly tried to stimulate the infant into breathing and crying. A nurse looked up at him and murmured, \u201cShe has an Apgar of five.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI see that,\u201d he muttered with concern and determination as he continued to rub at the tiny extremities to push the blood through to them. After a minute or so, the baby let out a light cough before wiggling around on the table and pulling its arms and legs away from each person who tried to tug on them to check its physical activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a little more suctioning the baby let out a loud cry that soon filled the room, filtering out into the hall whenever the door opened by nurses coming and going. Smiling with a pleased satisfaction, Carson looked back at John and Ziva. \u201cIt\u2019s a girl! A wee bit tiny, but she looks to be quite healthy!\u201d he said as he finished wiping her off before wrapping a soft blanket around her to bring her over to her parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John watched the baby girl as Carson placed her in Ziva\u2019s arms. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it,\u201d he breathed a sigh of relief. \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful!\u201d He smiled and softly kissed Ziva on the head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva blinked as she looked at the tiny baby. \u201cI feel like I\u2019m going to break her,\u201d she said softly. \u201cAll this time…I did not know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s quite the surprise alright.\u201d John smiled as he softly touched one of the tiny hands with his finger. \u201cI can\u2019t believe we\u2019re parents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know,\u201d she replied as she stared at her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHave either of you ever considered a name through all this?\u201d Carson asked as he watched on proudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNope, was too busy worrying about Ziva.\u201d John answered. The little girl looked like Ziva, with her big eyes and tiny nose and he just couldn\u2019t believe that he and Ziva were responsible for her creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked up at John and smiled. \u201cActually I did think about it some, on the way here and while waiting for you,\u201d she said. \u201cAfter we got back from Colorado, I looked up about Elsa, and who she was… and I thought…Well I know how much she meant to you but what if we use her middle name? Mariely?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John was quiet for a moment and then looked at Ziva. \u201cI think… that it\u2019s a great idea and that Elsa would have loved that,\u201d he answered carefully. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she nodded and looked back at the baby. \u201cAfter all, if it were not for her, in some ways, she would not be here, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d John nodded and softly kissed her. \u201cMariely it is.\u201d John then heard the muffled sobs of his friend Carson and looked at him. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh lad, it\u2019s wonderful to see how you\u2019ve come full circle and how your lass wants to honor Elsa… forgive a man for crying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva smiled up at him before looking at John again and moved to let him take her. \u201cHere,\u201d she said. \u201cHold her. Show her to the team,\u201d she added as she shifted in the bed uncomfortably. Carson was already back in his stool at the foot of the bed knowing what was going to come next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou best listen to her. We just need to handle the afterbirth here and get Ziva cleaned up for everyone to come in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Mariely in shock. She was<\/em> small and light and he now realized why Ziva was afraid she\u2019d break her. \u201cOh… okay.\u201d He made his way out of the room with their baby girl in his arms; he didn\u2019t have to go far, before he knew it, he was looking directly at Gibbs who was smiling like a proud grandfather and Tony and McGee grinning like the silly uncles. \u201cIt\u2019s a girl.\u201d John said sheepishly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell let us see!\u201d Tony replied as he looked over McGee\u2019s shoulder to see better. \u201cHoly crap she\u2019s small<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZiva\u2019s ninja body hid her well.\u201d John pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCongratulations, Sheppard, she\u2019s beautiful.\u201d Gibbs said. \u201cShe\u2019s going to be one hell of a heart-breaker when she grows up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To that Tony grinned. \u201cI believe that. Considering her parents, she\u2019s going to have every guy chasing after her,\u201d he laughed and simmered down once he caught the look John had in his eye – and after McGee elbowed him in the gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid you guys decide on a name?\u201d McGee asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZiva thought that Mariely was appropriate.\u201d John said proudly. \u201cI think it suits her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMariely Sheppard?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, we haven\u2019t discussed the important details yet, Ziva was kinda busy and now she\u2019s too tired to have that kind of conversation.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gibbs shrugged a shoulder. \u201cIt can wait. At least she<\/em> has a name,\u201d he smiled as he made his way over and reached up to play with the tiny fingers. \u201cAbby and Ducky hired a private ambulance to come transfer Ziva and Mariely. She is riding up with them and said they should be here any minute so you might want to prepare yourself for a tornado.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John chuckled. \u201cIs there a way to prepare yourself for the torrent that\u2019s Abby? Please, tell me your secret!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The older man only smiled as he turned his attention back on the baby. \u201cShe\u2019s going to be out of work for awhile. I\u2019m assuming you\u2019re going to talk her into moving in by you at least temporarily? I\u2019m sure Teyla will be able to help her where she would need that sort of thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John nodded. \u201cThe house is a secure place and big enough for all of us and Teyla would be more than happy to help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course I would John,\u201d a voice spoke up from behind them. Abby and Teyla were walking down the hall with the ambulance crew behind them.  \u201cIs that the baby?\u201d she asked as she, almost as eagerly as Abby, quickened her step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn! John! John! Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs! The first team baby! Can you believe it! Oh my god! Will I get to babysit? Please say yes! I have so much that I could teach it! What is it? It\u2019s a girl, right? Of course it is! They wouldn\u2019t wrap a boy up in pink,\u201d Abby rattled on as she jumped on her already high platform shoes. \u201cAnd oh my god what happened to your face?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAbby,\u201d John chuckled. \u201cCalm down, please.\u201d He was surprised that Mariely was still quiet, but probably because she was too tired of the stress Ziva had to endure during the day. \u201cHer name is Mariely and I\u2019m sure that you\u2019ll get the chance to babysit her one day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teyla had been eying the child in her friend\u2019s arms and smiled. \u201cShe could also simply be a quiet baby,\u201d she pointed out. \u201cBut I believe your Doctor Mallard would prefer us to have everyone moved closer to home simply for the comfort and security of your military hospital. Where is Ziva? I will go speak with her quickly and fill her in on the arrangements for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn there.\u201d John pointed towards the room. \u201cHowever, I was kicked out, I think it\u2019s safer to wait until Carson says it\u2019s okay to go in.\u201d When he saw the look on Teyla\u2019s face he smiled. \u201cYes, Carson, the Hammond<\/em> brought him over after I asked if they could level something to the ground for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf he kicked you out for the reason I believe, then he will certainly let me in,\u201d she smiled as she turned to go find her friends and share their plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I please hold her? Please?\u201d Abby seemed to have calmed down somewhat as she stretched out her arms. \u201cI promise I won\u2019t drop her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better not.\u201d John said as he gently put Mariely in Abby\u2019s arms and then took a seat on one of the chairs. What a day,<\/em> John thought as he kept his eyes on Abby and his daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After several minutes passed, Carson eventually made his way out of the birthing room with a tired smile on his face. \u201cHow is everyone fairing?\u201d he asked as he approached the waiting area after speaking to the ambulance crew. Teyla had remained in the room with Ziva to help clean her up for the transfer, and it was something that he was confident that the nurses were more than capable of assisting as well so he took his leave then. \u201cHave you gotten yourself checked out, Colonel?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes Carson,\u201d John replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about your eyes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Carson blankly. \u201cWhat about them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell… you\u2019ve been hit on the head several times, maybe you should come by the SGC in a couple of days when you all have settled,\u201d the doctor answered quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to fly only to…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need<\/em> to fly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShut up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor sighed and shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it later and no excuses. They should be almost done getting Ziva ready to be transferred,\u201d he filled him in. Looking around, he found the woman that Teyla had described that came with her and smiled. \u201cLass, did you happen to bring Torren\u2019s car seat? I forgot to ask Teyla before I left the room. I\u2019m sure that the hospital has one we can borrow if you didn\u2019t…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, Ducky is going to love you.\u201d Abby squeaked. \u201cOf course we did, well I had to remind Teyla and then get the thing out of John\u2019s car but yes, auntie Abby brought the car seat with her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson chuckled. \u201cWell, we are going to need it soon as this little one will be transported with her mother. I do want to keep them in for observation and some tests for a least a night or two to make sure that there is nothing wrong with either of them after all they went through to get here. You too Colonel. I want you to stay the night when we get to Bethesda. No arguing because Landry agreed, it\u2019s either there or Colorado.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John made a face. \u201cAs long as you don\u2019t call Dr. Cale.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson smiled innocently. \u201cWhy would I do that? Oh right, your eyes! Good idea John, a very good idea! No seriously, Colonel, you look like you haven\u2019t slept properly for days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t.\u201d Gibbs replied. \u201cEver since we found that buddy of his.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAye… such a sad loss.\u201d Carson sighed. Looking up, he saw Teyla poking her head out of the room. \u201cAh, it looks as if they are ready. I suppose it would be alright for Ziva to hold the young one until we get to the ambulance. I hope that the staff doctor has all the paperwork finished. If you don\u2019t mind me taking Mariely for a short time to get her prints done and we can be on our way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHere you go.\u201d Abby gently handed Mariely over to Carson before pushing passed Teyla and running into the room to give Ziva a big hug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ziva groaned as she accepted her friend\u2019s affection. She was still quite very sore and the pain medication the nurse gave her had yet to start to take effect. They wouldn\u2019t give her anything strong that would stay in her body long because at some point, she would have to try to see if she could produce milk to feed Mariely, if she decided to try breast feeding at all. \u201cHey Abby,\u201d she smiled tiredly as she watched what little things she had when they came in being bagged by Teyla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re still alive and you\u2019re the first mommy on the team and oh she\u2019s so beautiful and you did great and you had us all worried because we couldn\u2019t even find you on your cellphone and that\u2019s why…–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teyla gently tapped Abby\u2019s shoulder and smiled. \u201cBreathe, and take it slowly; your friend is tired.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOops, sorry Ziva.\u201d Abby said sheepishly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay. I know you were worried, but we were sure that when we did not check in after having to drive out so far, that Gibbs would have started looking,\u201d she replied. \u201cIt is still all very shocking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is! One moment you\u2019re not pregnant and then whammo! Baby!\u201d Abby hugged Ziva again. \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re okay!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She laughed lightly and shook her head. \u201cEvidently, according to Dr. Beckett, I\u2019ve actually had the signs of being pregnant the entire time just it wasn\u2019t as obvious as we would believe or consider…\u201d Ziva trailed off as she noticed the door open and the ambulance technicians come in with their stretcher. Sighing, she knew she would have to move over and she just didn\u2019t want to move period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It actually didn\u2019t take much effort for the crew to move her themselves and despite the pain and discomfort that came from the jostling, she was happier to have had them do that little bit for her as it would have hurt more for her to do it herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several minutes later, she was being wheeled out into the hall where Carson waited to hand Mariely over to her. Smiling, she looked down at the baby in her arms and sighed. She was so transfixed on the smallness of her that she failed to notice everyone else that lingered around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright you lot, keep moving,\u201d Carson said, \u201cThat\u2019s enough excitement for the day, both the mom and wee one need their rest now, but feel free to follow the ambulance in a car… where\u2019s Colonel Sheppard? Please tell me that he didn\u2019t walk off!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe nodded off.\u201d Tony grinned as he started to shake John awake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m awake, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d John quickly sat up and immediately regretted rubbing his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou, your gorgeous lass and your daughter are going to get a lift to Bethesda hospital; move it, Colonel.\u201d Carson answered. \u201cThere\u2019ll be plenty of time to sleep once the excitement has gone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John felt like a zombie when he followed everyone to the hospital exit, but couldn\u2019t help but smile when he saw the look on Ziva\u2019s face while she was holding Mariely. He knew he had to talk to Ziva about the important things, such as what were they going to do now, but it had to wait until the day after; he was currently too tired and overwhelmed by everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ambulance had been cramped with John and Carson insisting on riding in the back with Ziva and the technician, while Teyla sat in the front. Abby wasn\u2019t too thrilled that she couldn\u2019t join them on the way back but calmed down with just a look from Gibbs as they headed back.  Carson made it clear to the rest of the team that they would be more than welcome to visit in the morning, but asked for them to leave the family to rest for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time they finally got settled in, John had been more than pleased that his friends worked on arrangements for them to share a room for their admission. Since Sheppard was only really in for observation with Carson hovering over them, it was certainly unusual to have a male patient on the maternity ward but after everything, they just didn\u2019t want to be too far from one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John loved watching Ziva sleep, she looked beautiful, peaceful and glowy. There was a smile across her lips and at that moment, he fell in love with her all over again. He couldn\u2019t sleep, despite his exhaustion, and had taken place in a chair next to her bed, putting his feet up against her bed and enjoyed the view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou should be in your own bed Colonel,\u201d Carson said softly from the doorway. \u201cIf you thought the last several hours were overwhelming, it\u2019s only going to continue to be so for a long while. The General is still eager to visit you this weekend, or have you forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s so beautiful, Carson. I don\u2019t want to sleep, I just want to sit here for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, she is a lovely woman and I am relieved to know that you have found her, but please, return to your bed and get the rest you really do need. I don\u2019t want to have to sedate you to make sure that you get rest, but I will if I have to,\u201d the doctor sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John grumbled as he put his feet on the ground and got up from his chair. He softly planted a kiss on Ziva\u2019s forehead and crawled into his own bed. \u201cHappy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEcstatic,\u201d Carson replied as dryly as his friend spoke, but smiled nonetheless. \u201cI will call and update the General on everything and try to get arrangements for everything you will need. I hope you don\u2019t mind but I gave Teyla your wallet when you were sleeping so that she and Miss Abby to go buy things for the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThought I had lost it when Cobb had us… I must have forgotten to take it with me then.\u201d John pulled the covers over him. \u201cIt\u2019s fine, Carson, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, no. Agent Gibbs actually found it in your car after you got to the hospital,\u201d he replied. \u201cYou don\u2019t remember putting it in the center console? Though your badge and weapon from the Navy will have to be replaced – that wasn\u2019t around that anyone could see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe bastard took our weapons and cellphones, although they didn\u2019t work,\u201d John said, and then sighed. \u201cHe had this huge grudge against all agencies for some reason and I haven\u2019t been able to figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou and your friends can work on that later, lad. At least you made sure he wasn\u2019t able to put other people through what he has put you through, and your lovely lady and of course Major Stackhouse, that should be satisfactory for you,\u201d Carson smiled. \u201cYou were never one for getting to the bottom of things unless you were being forced to, I like this change in you.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoes that mean that you\u2019ll hold off on Dr. Cale?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Carson smiled again. \u201cSleep well, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNight, Carson.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 08 When he came to he had a throbbing headache, he was sitting on a chair and it felt as if his hands and feet were bound. John wasn\u2019t able to move; something he hadn\u2019t experienced for over three years. He wasn\u2019t worried – yet -, if he and…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1082,"parent":1081,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1114","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 08 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 08 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 08 When he came to he had a throbbing headache, he was sitting on a chair and it felt as if his hands and feet were bound. John wasn\u2019t able to move; something he hadn\u2019t experienced for over three years. He wasn\u2019t worried – yet -, if he and... 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